Ingredient
Frangula Alnus Bark Extract
Frangula Alnus Bark Extract is flagged for pregnancy, breastfeeding and trying to conceive. The concern behind the strongest flag is absorbed into the body.
- Alder Buckthorn Bark Extract
- Rhamnus Frangula Bark Extract
- Buckthorn Extract
Verdict by profile
Truva checks every ingredient against six profiles. Jump to any of them for the full assessment.
- Strongest verdict
- Not Recommended
- Its verdict for pregnancy, the profile this one is worst in
- Profiles flagged
- 3 of 6
- Counting avoid, high risk and medium risk
- Irritancy
- 2 of 5
- Higher means more likely to sting or redden
Frangula Alnus Bark Extract and pregnancy
Not Recommended
- Absorbed into the body
Frangula alnus bark extract is derived from alder buckthorn and contains anthraquinone compounds. Historically used as a herbal laxative, these compounds can have systemic effects even from topical application. In cosmetics, the extract may be included for astringent or conditioning properties. Oral consumption of alder buckthorn is contraindicated during pregnancy due to its laxative effects and potential to stimulate uterine contractions. While topical application presents lower risk than oral use, the active anthraquinone compounds can be absorbed through skin, potentially affecting the pregnancy. Medical professionals generally advise pregnant women to avoid herbal ingredients with known strong systemic effects. The mechanism of concern relates to the plant's pharmacologically active compounds that affect smooth muscle tissue. ACOG recommends caution with herbal products during pregnancy, particularly those with known pharmacological activity. While specific guidance on topical buckthorn extract is limited, the general medical consensus suggests avoiding this ingredient during pregnancy due to its oral contraindication. Most obstetricians would recommend choosing products without this extract.
Frangula Alnus Bark Extract and breastfeeding
Caution Advised
- Passes into breast milk
- Infant exposure
Frangula alnus bark extract contains anthraquinone compounds that have laxative properties when ingested. These compounds can potentially be absorbed through skin and transferred to breast milk in small amounts. Oral consumption of alder buckthorn is not recommended during breastfeeding because anthraquinones can pass into breast milk and may cause gastrointestinal effects in breastfed infants. While topical application poses lower risk than oral use, the potential for absorption and milk transfer creates uncertainty. Many lactation consultants recommend avoiding herbal ingredients with known strong pharmacological effects as a precautionary measure. There is limited specific guidance on topical use during breastfeeding, but the known concerns with oral use suggest a cautious approach. Most healthcare providers would recommend alternative ingredients without these active compounds.
Frangula Alnus Bark Extract and postpartum
Safe to Use
- Irritant
Frangula alnus bark extract can be used postpartum by non-breastfeeding women, though its irritation potential should be considered. The main concern is skin sensitivity rather than systemic effects in this population. Without pregnancy or breastfeeding concerns, the primary consideration is the ingredient's potential to irritate sensitive postpartum skin. Patch testing is advisable if using products containing this extract.
Frangula Alnus Bark Extract and trying to conceive
Caution Advised
Frangula alnus bark extract should be approached with caution by women trying to conceive due to its contraindication in pregnancy. While no specific fertility effects are documented, transitioning away from this ingredient before conception is prudent. Given the recommendation to avoid this extract during pregnancy, many healthcare providers suggest discontinuing use when actively trying to conceive. This allows time for any accumulated compounds to clear and avoids early pregnancy exposure before pregnancy is confirmed.
Frangula Alnus Bark Extract and PCOS
Safe to Use
Frangula alnus bark extract has no known hormonal activity or specific concerns for women with PCOS. The ingredient does not affect androgen levels or insulin sensitivity. While the extract has some irritation potential, it does not interact with PCOS-related hormonal pathways. Women with PCOS can use products containing this ingredient without specific hormonal concerns. No medical literature suggests avoiding this botanical extract in PCOS management. The primary consideration is individual skin sensitivity rather than hormonal effects.
Frangula Alnus Bark Extract and general use
Safe to Use
- Irritant
Frangula alnus bark extract is used in some cosmetic formulations for its astringent properties. The extract contains anthraquinones, which contribute to its activity but also its irritation potential. For the general population, the main concern is skin irritation, particularly with sensitive skin types. Some regulatory bodies have raised questions about long-term exposure to anthraquinone-containing botanicals, though acute toxicity from cosmetic use is low. Individuals with sensitive skin may experience redness or irritation. While not banned, the EU has scrutinized anthraquinone-containing ingredients and recommends limiting concentrations in cosmetic products. The ingredient is generally considered acceptable for use in healthy adults who are not pregnant or breastfeeding, though alternative botanicals with better safety profiles are often preferred.
Everything else flagged for the same profiles
Related ingredients
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Ingredients that raise the same concerns.
Where this came from
Truva summarises published guidance from bodies including ACOG, the FDA, the EU SCCS and the Cosmetic Ingredient Review. It has no access to your medical history and it is not a substitute for your doctor, dermatologist or midwife. These assessments have not been reviewed by a clinician, and nothing here is a diagnosis or a prescription. If you are pregnant, breastfeeding or being treated for PCOS, take the ingredient list to the person looking after you.
Assessment last pulled from the ingredient database on .
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